Joanne Jane Jones

Joanne J. Jones, age 93 and longtime resident of Northville, passed away on November 23, 2019. She was born on August 24, 1926 in Flint, Michigan; daughter of Edwin W. and Lucille (nee Hodge) Jakeway. Joanne was united in marriage to Robert E. Jones on August 6, 1949; spending over 69 years married to the love of her life until he passed away on August 20, 2018.

Joanne received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Madonna University. She proudly supported her husband, while he earned his bachelor’s degree, working at AC Spark Plug in Ann Arbor while living in married housing at EMU. She was a very hardworking woman. After deciding teaching was not the right fit for her, she found her favorite job in the interior design department at J.L Hudson’s. Not only did she enjoy the fringe benefits, but she loved the lifetime discount she received.

Joanne was an amazing seamstress; making everything from clothing to quilts for her family. She liked taking care of her flower garden, tending to the roses and wildflowers truly put a smile on her face. She was an intelligent woman with a great vocabulary which contributed to her dominating at scrabble. Joanne had a photographic memory when it came to celebrities. She liked playing cards, collecting roosters, and bowling. Joanne became a good golfer when her husband retired. They would spend many days walking 18 holes on the courses up north. Lake Charlevoix held a very special place in her heart from when she was a child to now.

Joanne’s jolliness and cute sense of humor made her an incredible mom. Even though she was a little quirky sometimes, she adored her children and always protected them. Her family was everything to her. Joanne was a loving, generous, and loyal wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

She is survived by her children Christopher (Wendy) Jones and Kathy L. Jones; her grandchildren, Jason (Kori) Jones, Karie (Kyle) Jamison, Alia R. Jones, and Liana “Lily” J. Jones; her great grandchildren, Deven, Conor, Teagan, and Rowen; her brother Edwin “Bud” (Suzanne) Jakeway; and her brothers-in-law Norman (Norma) Jones and Don Reed. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews that were very special to her. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, 2 sisters, 2 sisters-in-law, and her son Mark R. Jones.

An intimate Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, December 1, 2019. She will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville. Memorial contributions would be appreciated to Little Traverse Conservancy , 3264 Powell Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740.